Never leave your belongings unattended, even if you will only be gone for a short time.

Avoid isolated areas—underground garages, alleys, parking lots, and offices after business hours. Walk with a group and in well-lit areas.

Have a plan when you go out: know how you will get home; let someone know where you are going, with whom, and what time you plan to return.

If you feel like you are being followed, move as fast as possible towards the nearest lighted and populated building. You can also cross the street in the middle of the road or flag down a passing car for assistance.

Maintain a safe distance if approached by a stranger, even if they just ask for directions.

Walk with a confident attitude, even when you are lost.

Never leave important documents in your car such as the title or registration, put any valuables or packages in the trunk.

Avoid using electronic devices on public transportation especially when seated near the doors.

Do not allow strangers to piggyback, or follow you, into your building. If someone suspicious does follow you into the building, try to make a mental note of what the person looks like and what time it is. Go immediately to a place where you feel safe, lock the door, and call GWPD (202)-994-6111. If you are off-campus, call 911 or alert your building's security personnel.

Remember that GW visitors and guests should be escorted at all times. Residents must walk down to let their guests into the building.

As the internet becomes an integral part of life for many of us, it can also be a treasure trove of information for criminals to take advantage of you. Below are some tips and resources to best protect yourself on the world wide web:

1. Do Your Research

Search your name (and combinations of your other personal information) into various search engines to see what you can find out about yourself.

Take note of websites that have information you want removed. Contact each website's administrator and request that they remove your information from their website.

2. Know Your Presence on Social Media

Make a list of websites where you have (or have ever had) accounts online (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, etc.). Dormant social media accounts can be easy targets for criminals seeking information about you.

Check the security and privacy settings to make sure that you are comfortable with what is publicly available.

Tip: Many social media sites allow you to view your profile as if you were a member of the public. Use that functionality to make sure you have your privacy settings adjusted correctly.

Tip: Social media sites change their security and privacy settings often. Set a reminder to check back on these sites regularly to update your setting preferences.

3. Set Alarms

Just like you would set a home security system, set alarms to make sure you’re notified of any online privacy intrusion.

Tip: If you sign up for Google Alerts, you can be notified anytime Google finds a new result for your name (or other terms you request to be notified about).

Tip: Regularly monitor your credit report for any changes that you may not be aware of (for example: new accounts or loans).

4. Strengthen Passwords

Enable multi-factor authentication when websites support it. This requires another ‘factor’ (such as a pin code sent to your cell phone) in addition to your username and password in order to successfully log into an account.

Check the strength of your passwords, and never use the same password for multiple websites.

Tip: When choosing passwords, avoid using words in the dictionary or any personal information. Instead, use a combination of numbers, punctuation, and a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. Click here to see how strong your password is.

5. Remain Vigilant

Keep an eye on your digital footprint and always ask yourself – “Do I really want this to be online?”

If you want to "remove" yourself from the internet, there are guides and paid services that can help you with that.

If you are concerned, need more information, or find that someone is using information against you, we are here to help. Call GWPD’s Office of Victim Services at (202) 994-0443.

Additional Resources

Stay Secure Online (a product of the NPCC) is a guide originally developed for law enforcement officers in the United Kingdom, but its usefulness is worldwide. It shows readers step-by-step instructions on how to enhance privacy and security settings through various prominent social media applications and websites.

Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized individual acquires some of your personal information -- your bank and/or credit card numbers, your social security number (SSN), or even something as simple as your name, address, and telephone number - and uses it to commit fraud or theft.

Identity theft can result in:

Taking considerable time and effect to correct fraudulent accounts and credit reports.

Having emotional and physical reactions to the stress of having their identity stolen and used fraudulently.

Feeling angry, helpless, and violated.

Finding it hard to reestablish trust, or become hyper-vigilant about guarding their personal information. These feelings are normal. Talking to a trusted friend or counselor can help a victim cope with these feelings.